The Chiefs traded up three spots from No. 9 in the first round to take LSU standout CB Mansoor Delane in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Chiefs sent the No. 9, 74 and 148 picks to the Cleveland Browns and selected Delane as their highest draft pick since QB Patrick Mahomes took over in 2018. ESPN rated this move No. 21 in terms of impact of all the moves this offseason.
Delane transferred from Virginia Tech to LSU for the 2025 season and was a concensus All-American in his senior campaign. Delane finished with 45 total tackles, two interceptions and a career-high 11 pass defenses.
Before Delane was selected by the Chiefs, they traded shutdown corner Trent McDuffie, one of their best players on defense, to the Los Angeles Rams. KC received pick No. 29, 2026 fifth- and sixth-round picks and a 2027 third-round pick. The move was scrutinized at the time, but it was essentially a shuffling of salary. McDuffie was entering the final year of his rookie deal and promptly signed a four-year, $124 million extension with his new club. The Chiefs now have a top-flight talent at the position on a rookie contract, allowing them to shore up other needs.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's defense played the fourth-highest rate of man coverage in 2025. Delane is well-versed in it with a mix of Cover 1, Cover 0 and Cover 2 Man at LSU He's a press corner that can match receivers vertically. Plus, he can jam and sink in Cover 2. Delane didn't allow a single touchdown in coverage in 2025.
"He's super fluid, he's athletic, he plays [patiently], he's super aware, and he's got great ball skills," Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said. "He's tough, and he'll tackle. We think he can play inside and outside. He was the most complete corner. When you're picking at nine and you're right there -- and you can get the No. 1 corner in the draft -- you just go get him."
Delane missed some time in mandatory minicamp and opened training camp in a non-contact jersey due to a shoulder injury, but he's expected to be 100% soon.
